The operator of the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train jolted awake just in time for her to see the lead car climb the stairs that started not far from where the track ran out, investigator Ted Turpin from the National Transportation and Safety Board said Wednesday.

That was 2:52 a.m. Monday, when most people were in bed. No one was killed, and of the 32 injured, none suffered serious harm.

But emergency braking systems should have stopped the eight-car train without her, Turpin said.

New employee

Photos: Chicago train derailment 6 photos

Photos: Chicago train derailment6 photos

Chicago train derailment – A commuter train car lies halfway up an escalator at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport station after derailing early Monday, March 24. More than 30 people were hurt, according to Chicago police, but the injuries weren't considered to be life-threatening.

Hide Caption

1 of 6

Photos: Chicago train derailment6 photos

Chicago train derailment – A police officer stands near the derailed train. The Chicago Transit Authority's Blue Line service was suspended between the O'Hare airport and the Rosemont stop after the derailment, a CNN affiliate reported.